10 Best Winter Jackets of 2018-2019 For Men And Women

Best Winter Jackets of 2018-2019 Best warmest Winter Jackets of 2018-2019 reviews and guide

Best Winter Jackets of 2018-2019-Trying to find the perfect winter jacket 2018 that will keep you warm even when you know the temperature is going to dip well below freezing is no easy task. That’s why I’ve decided to take a deep dive into the world of jacket retailers to find the warmest jackets in the world for winter. Yes, my friends, the warmest jackets on the entire planet are rounded up below!

Best warmest Winter Jackets of 2018-2019

Full disclosure: I’m choosing not to include what is truly considered “the warmest jacket in the world” in this list because it’s over $1,000 dollars (you can snag the jacket online at Bergdorf Goodman for $1,275 dollars, to be exact). The Snow Mantra Parka from Canada Goose, a Toronto-based coat brand, is allegedly the warmest jacket money can buy. GearJunkie reported the jacket “has serviced polar expeditions and Mount Everest climbs for decades” and is “purportedly favored by researchers at the South Pole.” While I’m all about staying warm, a knee length puff parka meant for temperatures down to minus-70 degrees F seems mildly like overkill for walking down Fifth Avenue.

Luckily, there are fabulous alternatives in a variety of price ranges for those of us not ready to drop a month of rent on this coat:

What Mens Journal dubbed the warmest jacket of 2015 thanks to its “TurboDown Wave that pairs two layers of high quality down separated by a layer of synthetic insulation [and is] lined with reflective material and sewn into wave-like offset baffles,” the TurboDown Wave Heatzone 1000 is the warmest non-polar trekker jacket out there.

Oh the beauty of Arc’teryx products. They generally cost the most, look the best (Patagonia is a close competitor), and perform well enough for seasoned guides to put them through the wringer on a consistent basis. The Cerium LT Hoody is the company’s leading lightweight down jacket and one sleek piece of gear. With a total weight of 10.8 ounces, a nearly complete feature set, and a silky interior and exterior, the Cerium LT plays and looks the part. The most direct competitors are the Feathered Friends Eos and Patagonia Ultralight, which have similar specs and quality.

An interesting feature on the Cerium LT is the use of down composite mapping: Arc’teryx added a limited amount of Coreloft synthetic insulation in the areas most prone to getting wet: the shoulders, underarms, cuffs, and collar. The rest of the jacket is premium down in areas that need maximum heating efficiency: the core, hood, and upper arms. While the other jackets on this list are strictly down, Arc’teryx has created a nice balance of lightweight warmth and functionality. Keep in mind that like most Arc’teryx products, the Cerium LT runs slim… Read in-depth reviewSee the Men’s Arc’teryx Cerium LT See the Women’s Arc’teryx Cerium LT

Down specialist Feathered Friends is held in high regard among the alpine community in Seattle and beyond (if you’re in town, it’s located one block down from REI’s flagship store and makes for a fun visit). This small company designs and builds down gear for serious outdoorspeople who depend on it, and most of the manufacturing is done in the United States. You won’t see a lot of national marketing campaigns, but we can tell you Feathered Friends is a standout in this category.

Our top down jacket pick from Feathered Friends is the Eos, which packs an impressive 3.7 ounces of 900-fill down. Therefore it has more fill weight and fill power than any other lightweight down jacket on this list at a competitive $289 price. Why isn’t it ranked #1? The Eos is built for performance and its look and color options aren’t quite as appealing for daily wear as the Cerium LT (it still looks good but isn’t quite as sleek). Also, we don’t love the non-adjustable hood, particularly in windy conditions. And a final consideration is availability: in peak season, there can be a 2 to 3-week delay before the jacket ships out. If you’re willing to wait, however, this is one of the best ultralight down jackets for backpacking and climbing.See the Men’s Feathered Friends EosSee the Women’s Feathered Friends Eos

Weight: 13.1 oz.Fill: 3 oz. of 800-fill downWhat we like: The highest quality build of any down sweater.What we don’t: Boxy fit.

The Patagonia Down Sweater is the biggest seller on this list and ubiquitous from ski resorts to city streets. Similar jackets from brands like Outdoor Research and REI may be less expensive, but none can match the Down Sweater’s clean design or high quality materials. If you’re in the market for one lightweight down jacket that does it all and looks good in the process, look no further.

Compared to the Patagonia Ultralight below, the Down Sweater is decidedly more casual. The down fill power is the same (800), but you get a more sturdy 20Dx30D shell along with less compressibility for backcountry pursuits like backpacking and climbing. It also has a more casual design and fit. If you need a down jacket for everyday wear and weekend skiing or hiking trips, the Down Sweater is an excellent choice. For the highest levels of performance for the weight, we prefer the Ultralight…. Read in-depth reviewSee the Men’s Patagonia Down SweaterSee the Women’s Patagonia Down Sweater

Weight: 10.5 oz.Fill: 3 oz. of 650-fill downWhat we like: Lightweight and a great feel that is unexpected for the price.What we don’t: No hem adjustment.

If you’re in the market for an inexpensive down jacket mostly for casual use, we’ve found your match. REI released its budget Co-op Down Jacket a couple years ago, and it flew off the shelves and was in short supply all winter. For good reason: the Co-op jacket is a great value at around $100 and can go head-to-head with down sweaters that are double the cost from brands like Columbia and Marmot. We even wrote a full article about how this is the best cheap down jacket.

Keep in mind that the REI Co-op isn’t designed as a performance piece, with 650-fill down and a standard nylon shell fabric that is not as durable as the more expensive jackets above. In addition, this jacket lacks a hem adjustment, which is limiting for dialing in fit. However, for daily use, travel, light adventuring, and as a midlayer for resort skiing, you just won’t find a better deal. As an added bonus, the Co-op packs down into its left-hand pocket, making it easily stuffable in your backpack or suitcase.See the Men’s REI Co-op Down JacketSee the Women’s REI Co-op Down Jacket

Weight: 22.4 oz.Fill: 8.8 oz. of 800-fill downWhat we like: Lots of premium down.What we don’t: Heavy and the left-hand zip takes some getting used to.

UK-based Rab is on our shortlist of favorite outdoor clothing brands, and the Neutrino Endurance is their beloved down jacket for cold weather climbing and mountaineering. Most importantly, this jacket packs in a ton of down—8.8 ounces of 800-fill hydrophobic down to be exact—at roughly the same price as less warm options from Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear. It also has a tough 30D Pertex shell, which has a quality feel and good weather resistance. That’s a lot of bang for your buck.

What are the downsides of the Neutrino Endurance? First is the total weight of over 22 ounces, which is good for serious winter weather but heavy and too warm for mild conditions. And Americans may have problems with the European-style left-hand zipper, which can take a while to get used to. These issues aside, it’s an exceptionally warm and comfortable winter piece.See the Men’s Rab Neutrino EnduranceSee the Women’s Rab Neutrino Endurance

Weight: 7.7 oz.Fill: 2.8 oz. of 800-fill downWhat we like: Incredible warmth for the weight and good feature set.What we don’t: Ultralight zippers and loose cuffs.

Mountain Hardwear led the ultralight charge with the numbers defying Ghost Whisperer, and it still impresses us to this day. At 7.7 ounces total including 2.8 ounces of 800-fill down, this jacket is extremely impressive with its warmth and paperweight feel. You don’t have to sacrifice on features either: the Ghost Whisperer has an optional hood, two hand pockets, and a side hem cinch for honing in fit. Some daily usability is lost in making everything so light, but it remains a top choice for minimalist backpackers and climbers.

Shortcomings of the Ghost Whisperer are that the 7Dx10D shell fabric won’t stand up well to abuse, and the curious cuff design is somewhat loose around the wrist (we appreciate the top-of-hand coverage, but it does allow for more cold air to enter). In addition, the zipper is the most flimsy of the ultralights we tested and failed to align the teeth on occasion. These are real sacrifices for casual wearers, but the Ghost Whisperer is a standard among backcountry enthusiasts looking to shave ounces while staying warm… Read in-depth reviewSee the Men’s Mountain Hardwear Ghost WhispererSee the Women’s MH Ghost Whisperer

Weight: 21.7 oz.Fill: 6.2 oz. of 750-fill downWhat we like: Useable as an outer layer during the cold winter months.What we don’t: Lower fill power than the Cerium.

For the same premium look as the Cerium LT above but more warmth and durability, the Arc’teryx Thorium SV is an excellent midweight option. With this down jacket you get 6.2 ounces of down fill instead of the 3.4 ounces with the Cerium, which represents a significant step up in insulation for the winter months. Its 40-denier shell is tough and does a better job of resisting moisture and wind than all other jackets on this list. The Thorium SV still isn’t your heavyweight parka for the absolute harshest of conditions, but it’s more than enough jacket for most people.

As with nearly all Arc’teryx products, the Thorium SV is pricey and has a fit and feature set designed for active outdoor use. Compared to the Cerium LT, you lose a decent amount of packability with the additional down fill and more substantial shell, but it’s one of the few down jackets we’d be willing to use as an alpine outer layer. And like the Cerium, Arc’teryx uses down composite mapping with some synthetic Coreloft insulation is areas most prone to collecting moisture.See the Men’s Arc’teryx Thorium SVSee the Women’s Arc’teryx Thorium SV

Weight: 10.8 oz.Fill: 850-fill downWhat we like: Performance features and premium down for under $200.What we don’t: Large fit and a drop in build quality.

REI’s follow-up to the Co-op Down Jacket above is the performance-oriented Magma 850. As the name implies, this jacket uses premium 850-fill down, which is much more packable and warm for the weight compared to the 650-fill version. The Magma also includes a soft-touch 15D Pertex Quantum shell, adjustable waist hem, and small interior zippered pocket—all features missing on the cheaper REI Co-op model. At $189 and with a total weight of 10.8 ounces (our size small weighs 9.9 ounces), the Magma is a great value for a high-end piece, undercutting competitors like the Patagonia Ultralight by $100 or more.

The Magma 850 impressed us with the high quality down and materials, but falls short in a few key areas. To start, the fit and finish can’t compete with Arc’teryx, Patagonia, or Feathered Friends—our jacket came with several imperfections in the seams and some loose threading. In addition, the fit is fairly generic and boxy for a performance piece (we recommend sizing down if you’re on the fence). Finally, the fill weight isn’t available—a spec we really hope REI includes in the near future—but the jacket strikes us as noticeably less warm than performance options from Arc’teryx or Feathered Friends.See the Men’s REI Co-op Magma 850See the Women’s REI Co-op Magma 850

Building on the success of the popular Down Sweater, Patagonia created a more athletic and lighter version for serious outdoor pursuits. At around 10 ounces for the hooded version, this down jacket is stiff competition to both the Arc’teryx Cerium LT and Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer. All three are excellent down jackets at the top of the ultralight heap.

Versatility is what we like most about the Patagonia Ultralight. It’s terrific for backpacking and climbing, and makes a solid midlayer for resort and backcountry skiing. And unlike some of the true ultralight down jackets we tested, it even looks the part for everyday use (we frequently see it around Seattle). Keep in mind that the thin and slightly crinkly 15D shell means that you will want to be careful to avoid tears. And $349 is a pretty penny to pay for a down jacket that isn’t warm enough for the dead of winter (nor is it as warm as the Cerium LT or Feathered Friends Eos above). But this is telling: with a dozen or so down jackets to choose from for testing, the Patagonia Ultralight is one that we battle over frequently… Read in-depth reviewSee the Men’s Patagonia UltralightSee the Women’s Patagonia Ultralight

Weight: 26 oz.Fill: 10.4 oz. of 700-fill downWhat we like: Warm, looks great, and a good value.What we don’t: Lower fill power than many of the options above.

There is a lot to like about the Lightline jacket from Mountain Equipment. First, it has the highest fill weight on this list at 10.4 ounces of 700-fill down (next is the Rab Neutrino at 8.8 ounces of 800-fill down). Second, it offers excellent protection from the elements with a windproof and water resistant Drilite shell. Third, we really like the Lightline’s clean look and multitude of colorways—it’s a nice option for everything from technical use to everyday wear in cold climates. And last but not least, it’s a heckuva value at $250. Many jackets with a fraction of the down cost quite a bit more.

How does the Mountain Equipment Lightline compare to other cold weather jackets on this list? The 700-fill duck down is very respectable but falls short of being ultra-premium, and therefore the jacket doesn’t offer quite as much warmth for the weight as the 800-fill Rab Neutrino. It also won’t compress down quite as easily for its size, although 700-fill down still does pretty well in this regard. But if you’re willing to sacrifice a little on fill power, the Lightline is warm, comfortable, versatile, and looks great.See the Men’s Mountain Equipment LightlineSee the Women’s ME Lightline

Weight: 20.3 oz.Fill: PrimaLoft Gold Down BlendWhat we like: Performs like a high-end down jacket but with better water resistance.What we don’t: A little heavy; poor cuff design.

The Black Diamond Cold Forge breaks from tradition with a hybrid down and synthetic blend, but earns a spot on our list because it delivers what you want in a premium down jacket: lofty and cozy warmth. PrimaLoft claims this high-end “Gold” blend (70% down and 30% synthetic) is equivalent to 750-fill down, and that assertion holds true in our experience. While fill weight of the Cold Forge isn’t available from BD, in terms of warmth it falls somewhere in between a lightweight jacket like the Patagonia Ultralight and the warmer Arc’teryx Thorium SV above. The use of synthetics also means the Cold Forge will continue insulating when wet and dry much faster than pure down fill.

Why haven’t we ranked the Cold Forge higher on our list? At 20 ounces, there are lighter and more packable options that deliver similar levels of warmth. We’re also not in love with the cuff design, which only stretches along the inside of the wrist and as a result doesn’t always stay in place. Besides these minor complaints, the Cold Forge is a fantastic down piece, and the unique insulation is a major selling point for those in wet climates.See the Men’s Black Diamond Cold ForgeSee the Women’s Black Diamond Cold Forge

Weight: 22.3 oz.Fill: 8 oz. of 800-fill downWhat we like: Warm and comfortable.What we don’t: More expensive and no warmer than the cheaper Rab Neutrino Endurance.

For a step up in warmth from the Patagonia Down Sweater and Ultralight, the Fitz Roy Down Parka is built for cold winter conditions. You get approximately 8 ounces (227 grams) of 800-fill down along with a Pertex Quantum shell for moisture protection. The jacket was updated for 2017-2018 with smaller baffles that resemble a puffed-up Down Sweater, and the 20D shell fabric is roughly the same strength. The Fitz Roy, however, has a longer cut for more coverage during the winter months while the Down Sweater and Ultralight models are designed more for shoulder seasons and layering. It’s worth noting that 8 ounces of down fill is less than the cheaper Rab Neutrino Endurance above (8.8 ounces of 800-fill down), which hurts the Fitz Roy in our rankings.

In many ways, the Fitz Roy Parka is a hybrid casual/performance piece. It has some advanced features like a helmet-compatible hood, a two-way main zipper for belaying, and elasticized cuffs that do a good job staying out of your way during physical activity. But the jacket still looks the part for city wear in the frigid months, making it a nice option for just about any type of winter use. Patagonia also offers a standard Fitz Roy jacket, but we recommend steering clear as it only has 4.5 ounces of down fill yet costs $349.See the Men’s Patagonia Fitz Roy Parka

Montbell is at the forefront of lightweight warmth, and you will have a hard time finding down jackets with a better ratio of fill weight to total weight (Western Mountaineering and Brooks Range are contenders). The Mirage Parka weighs less than 13 ounces yet packs an impressive 5.3 ounces of 900-fill goose down. Its name is slightly misleading—this isn’t your traditional down parka for the coldest of cold—but it’s warm enough for winter camping, mountaineering, and as a midlayer for the backcountry.

What makes the Mirage Parka undesirable for generalists is the 7D shell, the thinnest on the list. This means that you really have to be careful when wearing the jacket for everything from avoiding snags on protruding twigs to tearing the shell on a climbing harness. If you are wearing this Mirage Parka beneath a hardshell, it’s terrific. And if you are the careful type who babies their gear, go for it. But there is a sacrifice with this kind of warmth at this low of a weight, and that generally is a shortened lifespan for your jacket.See the Men’s Montbell Mirage Parka

Down jackets are known more for warmth than range of motion, but Mountain Hardwear is aiming for a game changer in this regard. They launched the StretchDown line last year, which features a flexible polyester shell material with welded seams for performance that is more reminiscent of a synthetic piece. We’ve seen similar stretchiness from Montbell’s high-end Down Hugger sleeping bags, but never before from a down jacket.

Of the four StretchDown versions, we like the standard hooded model best: the jacket hits a nice middle ground of warmth, comfort, and durability. Our main issue with the StretchDown line is that we’re not convinced that the stretchiness alone merits a major jump in our rankings. It’s a nice feature but the jacket doesn’t surpass the competition in any other categories and even the base model is relatively expensive. The design undoubtedly is comfortable, but for the backcountry the StretchDown falls short of our top-ranked jackets that are just as warm, lighter, and more packable.See the Men’s Mountain Hardwear StretchDownSee the Women’s MH StretchDown

Fjallraven’s Ovik Lite stands apart from the down jacket norm with its cool Scandinavian styling and tough construction. As with many of Fjallraven’s products, the G-1000 shell is the focus: this durable cotton and polyester blend resists tears much better than lightweight nylon, blocks the wind very effectively, and sheds light moisture (you can also apply Greenland Wax to waterproof the exterior). Fjallraven uses the lowest quality down on our list (500-fill-power) for the Ovik Lite, which is surprising considering the $400 price, but everything is beautifully made and wears well around town.

As mentioned above, the Ovik Lite has a decidedly casual build that limits its appeal for backcountry use. The G-1000 fabric and low quality fill doesn’t stuff down small, and the total weight of 25.4 ounces makes it undesirable for carrying around in a backpack (especially considering it’s only warm enough for shoulder seasons and mild winter conditions). But the build quality is there, and the burly shell makes it the only jacket on this list that you truly won’t have to worry about in day-to-day life.See the Men’s Fjallraven Ovik LiteSee the Women’s Fjallraven Ovik Lite

Outdoor Research products aren’t the absolute best on the market, but they are some of the best values. In many ways, the Transcendent Down Sweater is a cheaper version of the Patagonia Down Sweater above. It provides good warmth with 3.5 ounces of 650-fill down, comes in a number of attractive colorways, and we love the soft fleece-lined hand warmer pockets. Where the Transcendent lags behind are materials and construction: the next-to-skin comfort isn’t as high as the Patagonia Down Sweater, the baffles don’t sit as well on the arms, and the shell is more slippery than soft. The Transcendent is still a good buy; it’s just not in the same tier as its more expensive competition.

Weight: 15.5 oz.Fill: 3.6 oz. of 600-fill downWhat we like: A nice casual piece from Marmot at a reasonable price point.What we don’t: The lowest fill power on this list.

Marmot is known for outerwear, and rain jackets in particular. But if you’re in the market for a casual down piece or midlayer, the Ares is no slouch. With 600-fill down, it does have one of the lowest fill powers on this list (competitors like the REI Co-Op Down Jacket and Outdoor Research Transcendent use 650-fill down). But the difference is negligible, particularly if you’re not counting ounces or worried about small differences in packability. We also like the Ares’ clean baffle design and range of colors, which break from the generic look of many of the down jackets above.

Who should buy the Marmot Ares? Again, it’s a solid casual piece for wearing around town, under a rain shell or true winter jacket, or as a midlayer for downhill skiing. The design certainly isn’t technical in nature and you can expect inferior build quality compared to some of the jackets above that are double the price. What pushes it to the bottom of our list, however, is that it’s only slightly warmer than the REI Co-op Down Jacket and an extra $75. But stacked up to the rest of the market, the Ares is a decent value and a suitable budget alternative to the Patagonia Down Sweater.See the Men’s Marmot Ares

Down Jacket Buying Advice

Down Jacket Types

Down Sweaters The down sweater is the most casual category of down jacket. Warmth and wearability are top priorities, and you won’t find technical features like helmet-compatible hoods and ultralight shells. But they perform well for everyday use, travel, light adventuring, and layering for winter sports. Leading models include the Patagonia Down Sweater and Outdoor Research Transcendent.

The popular Patagonia Down Sweater

The temperature range for these jackets depends on factors like layering and exertion, but we find that down sweaters are suitable for approximately 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 15 degrees Celsius). For true winter conditions or if you won’t be active in the cold, consider a heavier down jacket or parka.

Ultralight Down Jackets Ultralight down jackets are designed for backpacking, climbing, backcountry skiing, and other outdoor pursuits where every ounce matters. These down jackets generally have similar fill weights as down sweaters, but are ultralight due their use of premium down (fill power), thin shell fabrics (denier), and minimalist zippers and pockets.

Backpacking in Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash with the Feathered Friends Eos

Interestingly, we frequently see this category of down jacket worn as daily pieces around cities, particularly the Patagonia Ultralight and Arc’teryx Cerium LT. They are high quality jackets in general, and if you are willing to take a little extra care to avoid damaging the shell, we prefer ultralights over down sweaters due to their warmth-to-weight ratio and athletic fit that’s easy to layer. They still look great too, although the designs do have more of a performance cut.

Midweight/Heavyweight Jackets for Winter Down jackets in this category represent a significant step up in warmth from down sweaters and ultralights, and are designed for serious winter conditions and uses like climbing and mountaineering. Most notably, you’ll see the fill weight go up from around 4 ounces (Feathered Friends Eos) to 9 ounces (Rab Neutrino Endurance) or more. They also are far puffier than the other categories with more down, and as a result take up quite a bit more space in your pack. Because of this, we only bring them along if the extra warmth is absolutely necessary. At the warmest end of the spectrum are heavyweight winter jackets and parkas.

Rab’s Neutrino Endurance is made for frigid winter conditions

Warmth

It all starts with that lofty and premium warmth that can only be found in a down-filled product. Down insulation functions so effectively because the loose clusters of feathers are great at trapping body heat. But unlike down sleeping bags, which have an official EN rating system that tests and measures their warmth on a concrete scale, down jackets are more like the Wild West. Below is information that should help you fill in the gaps.

Fill Power Fill power (600-fill, 700-fill, 800-fill, etc.) is how the quality of down is measured, and the higher the fill the better the down. The number is calculated based on how much space one ounce of down clusters takes up in a cylindrical tube. This is known as the amount of loft, and the more loft a jacket has, the more body heat it traps and the warmer you will be. Put another way, achieving the same amount of warmth with a lower fill power requires more down, adding weight and bulk to achieve the same comfort goals.

REI uses premium 850-fill down on its Magma jacket

For jackets, 550 to 650-fill down is what you’ll find on most entry and mid-level models, which is perfectly respectable for daily wear but falls short for performance use. Premium down is 800-fill and above, which is what Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear use for their high-end down jackets. At this level of quality, you reap the highly touted benefits of down insulation: lightweight and ultra-compressible warmth. Some high-end climbing brands like Feathered Friends and Montbell use 900-fill down, but that high of a number is a rarity and 800-fill is considered premium. In 2013, Patagonia experimented with a 1,000-fill down jacket, the Encapsil, but hasn’t yet brought it back to market. Montbell currently offers the 1,000-fill Plasma Down Jacket and Parka with thin 7D shells.

Fill Weight Fill power gets the most press, but fill weight is perhaps the most important factor in determining a down jacket’s warmth. Fill weight is the actual amount of down stuffed into a jacket, measured in ounces. For example, if Jacket A has 6 ounces of 800-fill down and Jacket B has 3 ounces of 800-fill down, you can expect that Jacket A will be significantly warmer (we estimate that it would increase comfort levels in low output activities by approximately 10-20 degrees). Lower fill power down offers less warmth per ounce, so to compare apples to apples you should use similar fill powers.

Down fill creeping out after an unfortunate tear

We find it interesting that fill weight is much less publicized than fill power, which leads to a lot of confusion for shoppers who associate higher fill power as always meaning more warmth. Apparently the fill power numbers are far sexier, and as a result, we sometimes have to call the manufacturers to track down fill weight as it’s not always listed (for more information, see our article: Down Fill and Insulation Explained).

Our Estimated Temperature Scale It’s tough to pinpoint an exact temperature range in which you will feel comfortable wearing a down jacket (there’s a reason no one has attempted to create a standardized rating system). Factors like fit, layering, your levels of exertion and circulation, and wind all play a role.

Level of activity has a big impact on the temperature scale

Generally, we think of down sweaters and ultralights—which usually have between 2 and 4 ounces of fill weight—as providing solid warmth in conditions ranging from around 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 15 degrees Celsius) with low levels of exertion, such as puttering around a campsite. More fill will help you move toward the bottom end of the range and less will push you toward the middle. A cozy baselayer can buy you an extra 5 to 15 degrees depending on its thickness and quality. These types of jackets are very popular for three-season alpine use and in cities for everything but the heart of winter.

When the mercury drops below freezing, you will be more comfortable wearing a true midweight or heavyweight down jacket for winter. The fill weight of these jackets should be 4 ounces at the absolute minimum and often is in the range of 5 to 6 ounces or more (the Rab Neutrino Endruance and Montbell Mirage Parka). For bitter cold and climbing the highest peaks, an even heavier down parka may be in order.

In below freezing temperatures, we turn to a heavyweight down jacket

Weight

For uses like backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, ski touring, or whenever you have to lug around your own gear, the total weight of your down jacket should play a significant role in your buying decision. Jackets like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (7.7 oz.) and Patagonia Ultralight (10.1 oz.) weigh very little for the warmth they provide and compress down extremely small in your pack. As a result of all the fun tech, they also cost considerably more than your typical down sweater.

REI’s down jackets are impressively lightweight considering their prices

“Ultralight” is a buzzword of sorts that you will inevitably run into when shopping for a down jacket, and it’s worth noting there aren’t hard-and-fast rules as to what qualifies. We keep a close eye on the ratio of fill weight to total weight to see what lengths the manufacturer went to trim weight (the shell denier is a good hint too, and more on that below). Three of our ultralight picks have healthy amounts of premium down and are relatively light at around 10 ounces or less for the hooded versions. When gear companies really prioritize cutting weight, you’ll see changes to zippers, a trim fit, and a lack of pockets. Some even opt for a pullover style to cut out half of the zipper. No matter what the manufacturer names a jacket, keep a close eye on fill weight and total weight to make your own determination.

Shell Fabric (Denier)

Denier (D) is the measurement of the weight of a thread, and the lower the number the lighter the weight. A lower denier rating means the material is less durable and more prone to abrasion. Much of the difference in weight of an ultralight jacket is trimmed by using a lower denier fabric for the shell. Other factors like premium down (it provides the most warmth for the least amount of weight) and ultralight zippers play a role as well, but the shell fabric is most important.

The Ghost Whisperer has a thin 7Dx10D shell but is great for climbing and ultralight backpacking

Almost every jacket on this list is made with reasonably lightweight shell fabrics. The thinnest jacket is the Montbell Mirage Parka, which has a very fragile 7D shell, and the thickest is the Arc’teryx Thorium SV, which has a 40D shell. 10D is pretty standard for ultralights and a more substantial 20D is what you’ll often find in an average down sweater. Don’t underestimate the importance of denier: even the difference from 10D to 20D can play a significant role in the total weight and potential lifespan of your jacket. If ounces matter and you intend to use the jacket in the backcountry, treat yourself to an ultralight. If most of your use will be in the city, a down sweater is sturdier and should save you money in the process.

Compressibility

Down enthusiasts love its compressibility and for good reason. An ultralight jacket like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer can be stuffed into its own pocket and end up much smaller than a Nalgene bottle. The tiny packed size means you have little reason to leave it behind, and can fit it easily into either a daypack or overnight backpacking pack.

Keep in mind that the higher the fill power the more easily it will compress. This is noticeable when you get into premium levels of down (800-fill and above), which pack down to seemingly impossible sizes yet bounce back after only a few minutes out of the bag (as long as you don’t store it compressed too long). Fabric thickness also plays an important role, and thinner denier fabrics logically pack down smaller. Along with warmth for the weight, compressibility is an area where down absolutely dominates synthetic insulated jackets.

A compact stuffed size is a strength of down jackets

Hydrophobic Down and DWR Treatment

Down feathers unfortunately lose much of their ability to insulate when wet, turning into a clumpy and soggy mess. This makes them a serious liability in wet conditions or if you’re sweating heavily, which is why some prefer a synthetic jacket that continues to insulate when wet.

Recently, gear manufacturers have started treating down to make it more water resistant. They do this by adding a polymer to the down before filling the jacket, and the result is that it resists water better and you don’t have to worry as much about light precipitation. Even though it still doesn’t match the wet weather performance of synthetics, we love the hydrophobic down movement. Yes, it may add a tiny bit of weight to the down, but it also adds a noticeable level of protection. If you’re headed out in a wet area like the Pacific Northwest or New Zealand, a jacket with hydrophobic down (and a waterproof shell) is a smart choice.

Patagonia’s Ultralight has a DWR treatment to fend off light moisture

Another way that gear manufacturers fight moisture is a DWR (Durable Water Repellant) treatment on the outside on the jacket. This treatment helps prevent water droplets from forming and entering your jacket—essentially the water has a harder time staying on the fabric and beads up and rolls off instead. Neither a DWR finish nor hydrophobic down will keep your down completely dry, but they make nice lines of defense against light to moderate precipitation.

Fit

Fit is jacket-specific, but there are two main considerations here. First, down sweaters have a more casual fit than ultralight or performance jackets, including boxier torsos, arms, and hoods (when available). Fit also varies significantly by brand. From our experience, Arc’teryx jackets like the Cerium LT Hoody fit the slimmest of all, which we refer to simply as the “Arc’teryx fit.” Guides and ultra-athletic folks who frequently use the gear are a key contingent for Arc’teryx, which helps explain the fit. They prioritize reduced bulk and improved range of motion, and Arc’teryx designs accurately reflect those needs.

The fit isn’t for everyone, but we love the trim cut on the Cerium LT

The Patagonia jackets on the list are surprisingly boxy given their quality and feature sets. Even the Patagonia Ultralight is boxier than expected in the torso and arms (it’s still one of our favorite down jackets overall so this wasn’t a huge deterrent for us). This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just something to be aware of—a wide range of people wear Patagonia and a slightly boxier fit accommodates more of them. Outdoor Research and REI jackets are middle of the pack in terms of fit: not too slim and not too boxy. Rab, Mountain Hardwear, and Montbell apparel generally have an athletic cut but not to the extent of Arc’teryx.

Hood or No Hood?

Most down jackets on this list are offered in hooded and non-hooded versions. The non-hooded version is slightly cheaper and weighs less, but you don’t get the advantage of the extra warmth and comfort. For casual use or as a midlayer for skiing, many people opt for a down vest or go without the hood and carry a separate beanie instead. For backpacking and climbing, many people get the hood and don’t regret it. You’ll notice that in our picks above, we listed down sweaters in the non-hooded versions, which are the most commonly purchased, and the ultralights with hoods, also the most common for that variety of jacket. For a deeper dive into the topic, see our article: Does Your Down Jacket Need a Hood?.

We prefer hooded down jackets for backpacking

What About Synthetic Jackets?

There is a lot to be said for synthetic insulated jackets, which insulate better than down when wet, are more breathable, and cheaper. However, down still has no replacement (at least for now). The warmth-to-weight ratio is unparalleled, as are compressibility and comfort. We’ve tested a number of synthetic jackets like the Patagonia Nano-Air and Arc’teryx Atom LT, both are which are very comfortable and great for high-output activities, but the warmth just isn’t the same. We often reach for synthetics for everyday use and light outdoor activities in the fall and spring, but they take up too much space in our packs for extended backcountry trips and most don’t provide quite enough warmth for truly cold days. Optimally you would have both, but if you’re only in the market for a single jacket, there’s simply no better insulator than down. For a more detailed explanation of this topic, see our article on down vs. synthetic insulation.

The Best Overall

Arc’teryx Camosun Parka

Beating out the competition in 2017 is the Arc’teryx Camosun Parka. In all winter conditions, from hard sleet to snow to assaulting winds to bitter cold, this model keeps you well-protected. Its stylish looks are ready for chilly jaunts around town, too. With this model, you’ll look good no matter what harsh weather conditions you find yourself in. The Arc’teryx designers employed high-quality goose down in critical areas where warmth is paramount, and strategically placed synthetic fiber insulation where higher than average moisture exposure is expected, such as on the hood, shoulders, and cuffs. It wasn’t the absolute warmest and doesn’t qualify as formal attire, but the overall reliable performance of the Camosun in all of our test metrics that it became the model we reached for the most.

Best Bang for the Buck, Overall

Marmot Fordham

Low in price yet high quality in construction and materials, the Marmot Fordham earns a Best Buy Award. It delivers a fashionable coat that keeps you warm and dry using a waterproof exterior insulated with goose down. The Fordham has some features that impressed us for such an inexpensive jacket, like a comfortable cut and an abundance of pockets. It’s available in a range of colors so you can decide what suits you best. Comfy and cozy, the Marmot Fordham gets you through the winter and last you for a long time at a reasonable cost. At a modest price of $200, the Marmot Fordham Vest may make for an excellent layering piece.

Best Bang for the Buck, Coldest Conditions

The North Face McMurdo Parka III

If your winters aren’t “normal,” your jacket needs to be above average, too. We can’t all afford the $1000 Top Pick for Extreme Cold, the Canada Goose Expedition Parka, but the price of McMurdo is reasonable. At a third of the cost of the Canada Goose, but almost as warm, this is a natural choice for a second Best Buy Award. For northerly latitudes, and the coldest days, the McMurdo’s down insulation, long cut, and generous hood combine to protect in day-to-day life; all under a competitive price tag. This latest review is based on the latest, greatest, and subtly changed McMurdo III. For a few weeks already we’ve had the most recent McMurdo out and about in the cold and raw of late autumn New York. We’ve found that the latest iteration makes improvements that have their pros and cons but don’t change the overall scoring and award ranking.

Top Pick for Extreme Cold

Canada Goose Expedition Parka

While bitter cold, feet of snow, and icy sidewalks may not describe winter for some, for those living in the northern latitudes in the Midwest, East Coast and Alaska, there is a need for a winter-specific jacket that protects you from prolonged sub-freezing temperatures. Enter the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. This parka is the pinnacle of warmth, has abundant features, and is the coziest jacket reviewed. All these traits come at a cost though, and besides being the bulkiest and heaviest parka reviewed, it is also the most expensive. This is a parka for the specific needs of the coldest weather, designed with Arctic and Antarctic applications in mind. On that note, a special Polar Bears International (PBI) edition is available called the Canada Goose PBI Expedition Parka. This jacket comes in a special royal blue color, has a polar bear patch on the shoulder and is an extra $50. A portion of the sales goes to PBI and their mission of saving the polar bears and their habitats.

Top Pick for Wet and Dreary Weather

Arcteryx Fission SV

Extreme weather isn’t just the lowest temperatures. Sometimes it’s bone-chilling rain and sleet. In shoulder seasons and moderate latitudes, this version of winter is all too familiar. We want to remember the crisp cold, but it is the drearier days that often dominate in specific locales. For those conditions, the waterproof shell, bomber design and seals, and synthetic insulation of the Arc’teryx Fission SV is just the ticket. There are warmer jackets in our review, but there are none as well-suited to cold, wet weather.

Analysis and Test Results

The above table details the Overall Performance score of each winter jacket reviewed. Read on for specifics on each metric that helped comprise this overall score.

We tested these jackets in winter conditions and then rated them on the following criteria: warmth, weather resistance, comfort, features, style, and durability.

Warmth

Warmth is the most important metric we used to rank these winter jackets. Warmth is determined by the amount of insulation, no matter if it is down or synthetic insulation. The more insulation a jacket contains, the more loft it provides. We looked at the fill weight to determine how much insulation each winter jacket had, and then compared that weight to the cut and length to see how that insulation was distributed. If we have two jackets with an equal fill weight of 10 ounces, but one has a waist-length hem while the other has a mid-thigh length hem, these two jackets are not equally warm.

As we discuss more in our Buying Advice article, the higher the down’s fill power number, the higher the quality of the down feathers. This translates into lighter down and more compression. The amount of insulation, not the quality, is what determines a jacket’s warmth. The Rab Neutrino Endurance features high quality, 800-fill down to keep the weight down and packable size small. The rest of the down insulated parkas feature down below 750 all the way down to 550-fill for The North Face Gotham III Jacket.

This number should not dissuade shoppers, though, as the casual parka can get away with using a heavier down product than a technical parka that you might be carrying in your backpack with you. The Canada Goose Expedition Parka has an average quality 625-fill down, but it has so much that it was the warmest model reviewed. The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka also kept us warm, as did the Arc’teryx Camosun Parka. Competing with the warmest jackets in our review, the Mountain Hardwear Therminator deserves mention. It is the warmest synthetic insulated piece reviewed. After the Canada Goose jacket, the next warmest earned a Best Buy award. The North Face McMurdo is nearly an expedition parka, with the price tag of a casual jacket. This lattermost model is the best value in our test and turns heads with its significant warmth and low price tag.

On the whole, except for the Mountain Hardwear version, the synthetically insulated models tested were not as warm as the down models. The Arc’teryx Fission SV and Helly Hansen Dubliner were less warm than the down models reviewed. This is likely due to less insulation in the garments overall rather than a fault of the synthetic fibers, though it did reinforce the idea for us that if you are looking for warmth, opt for down. Some parkas reviewed feature a combination of down and synthetic insulation.

The Editors’ Choice winning Arc’teryx Camosun uses a synthetic material in areas exposed to moisture, such as the shoulders and hood, and down in the core. The Columbia Gold 650 TurboDown Hooded Jacket contains a mixture of 550-fill down and an additional 100 grams of synthetic fiber. Columbia used its proprietary OmniHeat fabric to line the inside of the parka, which gives it an emergency blanket feel. This material may add warmth without much weight, but we have not independently tested it. We do feel as though the TurboDown Jacket was warmer than other, similar thickness jackets, in a given temperature range.

Finally, regarding warmth, the pile insulated jackets are the least insulating products reviewed. Well-suited to more moderate climates, the Patagonia Isthmus and Fjallraven Greenland are durable and stylish, insulated with synthetic fleece, that just don’t stack up to the rest of the field regarding warmth.

Weather Resistance

Since all of the parkas feature insulation, and 8 out of 13 use at least some down fill, we need a weather-resistant outer fabric to protect ourselves from winter weather and also to protect the insulation from becoming wet. All of the parkas have some resistant fabric, from basic durable water resistant (DWR) coated nylon to a fully waterproof membrane with taped seams, but they have a wide degree of resistance to soaking through, depending on the weather.

No matter if you choose a DWR treated material or a layered shell like Gore-Tex, proper care is essential for it to stay waterproof. Use of detergents strip the waterproof treatment from the fabric, so go for a DWR or Gore-Tex specific cleaner, then a wash-in or spray-on waterproofing to restore your winter jacket’s weather resistance.

If you live in a low elevation or low latitude area where the winter precipitation tends to fall as rain rather than snow, look at a parka with a waterproof outer shell, such as the Patagonia Tres with its H2NO fabric, or the Arc’teryx Fission SV that uses Gore-Tex. These waterproof/breathable materials shed water faster and for a longer duration than a typical DWR treatment. But, if you wear your jacket in lower temperatures where it tends to snow, then the parkas with DWR treatments such as the Canada Goose Expedition Parka, or the Rab Neutrino Endurance are more than adequately protected. Similarly, the McMurdo III jacket from The North Face excels in truly sub-freezing conditions. In those temperatures, the precipitation will remain in its solid form, and the compromised weather protection won’t be a problem. With these lattermost, deep freeze specialists, the compromise in weather protection comes at the seams. The seams of the McMurdo are not sealed or taped like those on either Arc Teryx jackets, for instance.

The Rab Neutrino Endurance, and other DWR coated parkas, shed water well, though not as well as two- and three-layer membranes.

Special mention must be made here of the shell fabric of the Fjallraven Greenland jacket. The cotton/poly blend is a traditional shell material that requires more maintenance than the nylon shell materials on the other jackets. Fjallraven sells a unique “Greenland Wax” that is used to treat the fabric for water resistance and durability. Modulate the amount of treatment applied in the interest of tailoring your protection.

The Rab Neutrino Endurance uses hydrophobic, coated down feathers, which will not save the jacket from soaking through in the event of a downpour, but can add a bit more latitude in going out in wetter weather. In our “real world” experience, this hydrophobic down helps but does not adequately simulate the weather protection and wetness forgiveness of synthetic insulated clothing.

Even though a jacket might claim to be waterproof, make sure that the seams are fully taped. Why? When a shell jacket is put together, it is stitched through (or in some cases welded together using high-frequency microwave technology). This stitching leaves small holes in the fabric, and if they are not taped, they become an easy entry for moisture.

Comfort

Wintertime is uncomfortable enough for many, so don’t put on an uncomfortable winter parka, too. Most of the models reviewed have added in extra ways to make braving the cold and wind more forgiving.

Fleece lining on the inside of the pockets and where the chin flap meets the face add coziness to the parka. The North Face Gotham and McMurdo parkas, as well as Helly Hansen Dubliner Parka and the Canada Goose Expedition include a fur (or faux fur) hood trim. When cinched tight it makes you feel like you are at home in front of the fire. The cut of the parka also keeps comfort in mind. A meticulously designed jacket like the Arc’teryx Camosun Parka is going to fit your body better than some of the other square-cut designs, and the longer hem, which many of these parkas use, keeps the waist from riding up and exposing you to drafts.

The more comfortable parkas reviewed, like the Arc’teryx Camosun, also have elastic rib knit cuffs, which seal out drafts and snow the best. In assessing the comfort of various products, we found a general correlation between cost and comfort. More expensive jackets use softer materials and tailored to achieve maximum comfort. A notable exception, however, is our Best Buy Marmot Fordham. At a bargain price, every tester who tried on the Fordham was impressed to find its initial comfort to exceed that of the competition.

The integrated stretchy liner that is sewn to the sleeve on the Camosun prevents any air or moisture from sneaking inside. This feature greatly adds to the comfort of this jacket.

Features

It is the addition of winter-specific features that have already set the jackets in this review apart from the rest. Features such as a hood, multiple hand pockets, two-way zippers, and thought out cuff closures are important attributes of a good winter jacket. A hood is mandatory during nasty winter weather, and while it is not a substitute for a warm hat, a hood makes life a lot nicer.

Only the non-hooded version of the Columbia Turbo Down (we have, over the years, tested both hooded and non-hooded versions) does not come with any hood, meaning that a warm hat is necessary. Additional hood adjustments to get a customizable and secure fit are essential for a well-rounded parka. The best hood in our test is on the chart-topping Canada Goose. The hood is warm – it’s also large, but can be cinched down securely and comfortably, and the stiffness of the brim keeps it all but out of your view. The hood of the updated Best Buy winning McMurdo III is smaller than previous versions. This is unfortunate, as the latest hood is little enough that warmth and weather protection suffers. If you leave the removable fur ruff on and don’t have to move your head much, you can make the McMurdo seal out the weather. Otherwise, the more sophisticated hoods of the Arc Teryx and Patagonia jackets lockdown at the head, literally, of the pack.

A salient attribute of the McMurdo is the integrated neck gaiter. This flap of fabric lives unobtrusively against the hood until you need it. Then, it is indispensable.

Handwarmer pockets are an excellent place to keep cold hands or to keep gloves, and most have a fleecy liner. The best hand-warmers are on the Arc’teryx jackets. Both of these award winners feature fully insulated hand warmer pockets with fleece lining the fabric the back of your hand touches. There is insulation between your hand and body, and between your hand and the outdoors. This not only means that your hand is insulated while in the pocket, but that there is no draft when the pocket is open. The next best hand warmer pockets, like those on the Therminator, put the user’s hand between the insulation and the wearer’s body.

Finally, while better than nothing, we wish for a more sophisticated design than the jackets that feature a single layer of fabric protecting the hands in a warming pocket. The Canada Goose and Patagonia Tres, for instance, both have uninsulated hand pockets. Special mention must be made of the hand warmer pockets on our Best Buy, The North Face McMurdo III. The pockets are uninsulated, but they are fleece-lined, and there are four of them! With a set at chest level and waist level, there is a hand warming option for every posture. Again, in updating the McMurdo to version 3, The North Face has compromised one of the things we best liked. The newest version still has four fleece-lined hand warmer pockets, but the upper, chest level ones are now situated further from the main jacket center zipper. This means that you have to contort your shoulders and elbows to get your hands into them. So much so, in fact, that these pockets aren’t comfortably usable. Nonetheless, the jacket is worthy.

When wearing a trench-coat-length parka, the need for two-way zippers becomes apparent as the extended length can inhibit stride, and wearing a long coat while seated can be awkward and uncomfortable without this feature. Cuff closures can be simple elastic closures, a snap closure, or Velcro, but a good winter parka needs to allow you to seal out the snow and cold and to enable you to use gloves. Open cuffs with internal gaskets, like on the Patagonia Wanaka Down, combine fashion and function.

Other features that may be important to you are internal phone pockets with headphone ports, snow skirts to seal out the cold, or built-in face warmers. We liked the features on the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. It has almost a dozen pockets, a snow skirt, and a drawcord waist, not to mention a fur-trimmed hood. We also liked the features on both The North Face Gotham III Jacket and our Best Buy Marmot Fordham. Both come with an array of pockets, including an internal Napoleon pocket that has a headphone channel, so your electronics stay dry. The Gotham and McMurdo jackets add removable fur hood lining and unique integrated face mask/neck gaiter. Other jackets, like the Columbia Gold 650 TurboDown, were bare-bones models with little more than two hand pockets.

The McMurdo has both chest mounted hand warmers, as used here, and waist level ones.

Style

Style is personal, and we allow our personalities to show through some of our clothing choices, including a winter jacket. This review includes parkas that could be worn from a nice restaurant to a Broadway show, and ones that look clean and simple, but are more at home walking the dog or taking the gondola. We already talked about the differences between technical and casual parkas, and while technical jackets might be at home in the mountains, they are easily worn in urban settings and can let some of your outdoorsy personality show through. Casual urban parkas don’t usually work the other way, though, as they may be missing crucial elements for safe winter adventuring, such as hoods or waterproofing.

Most of the models reviewed have a longer cut, which adds warmth and weather resistance, giving a different look than the waist-length athletic cuts that most of the backcountry-inspired jackets have. We liked the style of the Patagonia Isthmus and Arc’teryx Camosun, which are both stylish enough to dress up with but can be worn while snowshoeing or ice skating and still perform well.

In the wild or around town, the look of the Camosun is smooth and clean.

The technical Rab Neutrino is a different style than the city cut of the Fjallraven Greenland. The snowboarder-inspired Mountain Hardwear Therminator contrasts with the practical bulk of the Canada Goose. The Marmot Fordham and Patagonia Tres are neutral products. Across the board, we tested different “looks” to find something for everyone.

One reviewer commented that the form fitting cut of the Dubliner appeared a bit feminine.

Durability

With few exceptions, quality winter outerwear is not inexpensive. For a quality winter parka, expect to invest, but expect that investment to pay off for a few years of consistent use, depending on the activity. Are you going to be in contact with razor-sharp winter climbing gear, like ice axes, or will you only be using the parka to get from home to the bus stop during the winter? After investing a large sum of money in a winter jacket, we want to feel like our investment is protected, so we like the lifetime guarantees of companies like Canada Goose and Patagonia, who stand by the craftsmanship and materials of their products.

One of the most important things we looked at is outer fabric. The more substantial duty, canvas-like outer material of The North Face Gotham III withstands more abuse than the thinner Pertex shell of the Rab Neutrino. Zippers, snaps, and Velcro receive a lot of wear as well, so we looked at these closures to make sure they were durable enough. We gave our highest score in this category to the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. The large zippers, durable outer material, and substantial construction make this jacket last. We were concerned about the durability of the technical models tested. These are used around sharp ice climbing tools, and the thin shells on the Rab Neutrino Endurance and Columbia Turbo Down don’t hold up well to a wayward ice screw or axe.

We loved the burly shell fabric of the Canada Goose for hard-working chores in brutal cold temps.

Conclusion

We put 14 top rated winter jackets to the test to help you find the best one, whether you’re commuting to work, hanging in a mountain town or heading out into the backcountry. We rated each model on its warmth, weather resistance, comfort, features, style, and durability.

A good jacket in this category protects you from winter’s harsh elements by keeping you warm and dry. The challenge is finding the right type of jacket for your individual needs. Depending on your location and lifestyle, you may be in the market for something casual and stylish to keep you warm when going outside, or you may be looking for something more technical with features designed for an athletic lifestyle. Regardless of your preference, we hope that this review has helped you find the best for you. Check out our Buying Advice article for more detailed advice on sorting through the different types of jackets available.